Red River rising at Grand Forks

Posted at 3:40 PM on April 5, 2011 by Craig Edwards
Filed under: Flooding, Minnesota River, Red River, Winter/spring 2011

We've covered the expected crest of between 39 and 41 feet on the Red River at Fargo/Moorhead. Here's the hydrograph projecting a crest of over 49 feet at Grand Forks.

If the river rises to this level it would be the fourth highest on record. The record crest is 54.35 feet set on April 22, 1997.

The Red River at Fargo is approaching major flood stage of 30 feet. It's about 28.5 feet this afternoon.

With the snowpack fading quickly the hydrologists are now focusing in on runoff finding its way from the tributaries and streams into the main stem rivers. Also, any additional rain later in the week may impact the forecast crest. Anticipated rainfall beyond the next twenty-four fours is not included in the river model run.

Here's the satellites eye view of upper Midwest in middle February. Note the gray line indicating the Minnesota River cutting through the snow field.

Here's a visible satellite image from this afternoon. Not much snowcover remains. But you can see the snow and ice on Lake Mille Lacs.

Here's a true sign of spring from my neighborhood this afternoon. I like this!

Hope springs eternal! First sixty degree reading of the year insight for the Twin Cities? Stay tuned.

CE
naturesmessenger.com

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